Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence Walkthrough & Strategy Guide

Published: Jan 20, 2006

Modes

Sneaking Mission

Basic PremiseIn the Sneaking Mission, one player (as Snake) must capture one of two microfilms that are located in the level. Once the microfilm is captured, that player tries to bring the item to either one of the two capture points. The microfilm and the capture points appear on your radar. Be sure to use your radar as reference when moving around the maps. If Snake dies just once, it's mission over.

On the other hand, every other player in the match is trying to stop Snake from capturing the microfilm. All players can die and respawn indefinitely, so the match can't end by killing the defenders. As a defender, try to find positions near the microfilm where you can hide from Snake. In some maps, you'll be able to find some higher ground from which you can look below for Snake's creeping.

TacticsAs the offending Snake, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success. First of all, remember that you start the match with stealth camouflage. Also, using CQC, Snake can stun enemies instantly, letting you make a hasty retreat after getting the drop on someone. Most importantly, try to remain patient. Pay attention to your time limit, trying to make use of every bit of time you've got. When the proper chance arises, swoop in for a quick capture. Just be sure to look out for enemy claymores and books that may be lying around the objective points.

When playing defensively in sneaking missions, try to set traps for Snake using claymores and books. If you catch Snake with a book, you can get the drop on him and kill him without fear of counter attack. Once Snake's dead, the mission is over. Try to get high positions that let you look out over the map. Also try to avoid hand-to-hand combat with Snake, unless the player is inexperienced. Snake's CQC abilities are far better than those of anyone else.

Capture Mission

Basic PremiseTwo teams compete for control of the Kerotan frog. In order to win, the Kerotan must be captured and brought back to the team's "base." Once the Kerotan is at the base, a countdown will begin, after which the capturing team will win. If, however, an enemy grabs the Kerotan from the base, the countdown will reset completely. The only time the countdown timer does not reset is after the mission's time limit has expired.

TacticsIn Capture Missions, both teams have the exact same objective. However, not all players should do the same thing. Have parts of your team dedicated to grabbing the Kerotan while others play a bit of defense. You can set up traps around your own base to prevent the other team from sneaking away with the Kerotan. Leave claymores and books on the ground near the Kerotan. Smart players (read: you) will learn to dive over the obstacles, but the majority of people won't see them until it's too late.

When you've captured the Kerotan and want to bring it back to your base, beware of enemy traps. If the match has just started, quickly bolt to your base, but if there's a chance the enemy is waiting for you it may be a better idea to play it slow and safe. Approach your base from somewhere your enemies may not expect (rooftops) and try to clear the area before moving it. If you've got teammates, be sure to have them at your side.

Rescue Mission

Basic PremiseOne team plays defense in this mission type while the other goes on the offensive. The defense must protect the GA-KO, a small, yellow duckie. The other team must try to capture the GA-KO and return it to their base. Each player has just one life, and either team will lose the round if all players on the team are killed.

TacticsThe defending team will start the round near the GA-KO. As a defender, you still have the ability to pick up the GA-KO and carry it with you, letting you take it to places that may be easier to defend. When you've got the GA-KO in a place you want, you can use your items menu to select the GA-KO and drop it. Alternatively, you can hold onto the duckie and defend, but it's better to drop it somewhere. With the GA-KO dropped, you can plant traps (claymores and books) around it. Also, if you hold onto the GA-KO you'll always appear on the enemy's radar. Not good. On the other hand, you can hide the GA-KO's location from other players' radars. Throw a chaff grenade to disrupt radars, completely removing the GA-KO from the enemy's view.

On offense, don't be dumb. Rushing straight for the objective will get you killed, so be patient. Try to devise a route to the objective that your enemies won't suspect. When you've grabbed the GA-KO, continue to be patient. Rushing straight for your base will put you exactly where your enemies expect. Using a chaff grenade once you have the GA-KO is just as beneficial to you as the chaff is to the defense before you have the objective. You can hide your location from enemy radars, letting you stealthily make your way to the capture point.

Team Deathmatch

Basic PremiseTeam deathmatch is simple. Both teams have a ticker at the top of the screen. When a player on your team dies, one tick is taken away. Whichever team reaches zero ("0") on the ticker first loses the match. Simple as that.

TacticsTactics? Who needs tactics?! Just kill! Actually, it's not quite that simple. There are things you can do to improve your chances of winning the match. First and foremost, you need to work as a team. Sticking together will make your chances of survival all the greater. Coordinate with your teammates to secure certain areas. You can grab a rooftop area and have one player snipe while the other makes sure no one gets him from behind.

If you gain a lead and time is nearly up, you can play a cheap run-away tactic to guarantee the win. Hide in grass or just generally avoid conflict. You won't win any kills (or friends) with play like this, but you will ensure that you don't get yourself killed.

Deathmatch

Basic PremiseGet lots of kills within the time limit. Have the most kills total when time runs out to win the match.

TacticsYou don't have teammates to rely on, so try to use fast-killing tactics to avoid getting caught from behind. Be sure to read up on our Weapons page for details on all the weapons. As with Team Deathmatch, you can employ run-away tactics near the end of a match if you've got the lead. However, it's not nearly as effective without teams as everyone else will continue to try and kill each other.